It is a wintry December night and the crackling fireplace takes center stage, casting a glow that spreads across the room and flickers off its glass walls. The golden fingers of fire beckon me enticingly, drawing me like a moth to a flame and urging me to take refuge from the chill outdoor air … air that is clean and pristine but too cold for my delicate being!
‘Come hither’ it says … so I go thither, where the blazing logs sacrifice themselves to ensconce me in a gentle embrace of warmth and tranquility, shielding me from the sting of the icy outdoors. The earthy hues of the wooden fixtures and grey stone floor render a medieval touch to the ambience and I am transported back to a time when life was simpler and more at peace.
Deep inside the forest, the world is hushed and still and the silence is broken only by the faint grumbling of the burning wood and the gentle strumming of the guitar by the visiting musician, blending into a melodious symphony of harmony.
The smoky aroma from the barbeque in the adjacent porch, vies for my attention as it wafts towards me in apparent competition to the fireplace. I sit there snugly, unwilling to budge from my wooden stool, torn between the desire of giving in to the temptation of devouring the succulent titbits and not stepping out of my secure cocoon of warmth. The food loses the contest … for now.
But as the flames eventually consume their prey and as the chunks of wood burn down into the hearth and transform into dying embers, I finally relinquish my cozy perch and make my way to the live embers of the grill which has been patiently safeguarding its meaty morsels for me.
We are in the enchanting environs of Cicada Villa which is bestowing upon us magical moments to cherish and remember.
From the creators of Strelitzia Villas comes yet another luxury brand, Cicada Leisure which is designed to pander to the discerning traveller who seeks quietude and quality, in the serene lap of nature!
Come join me in this elegant home, as we unwind in its splendorous ambience and stylish setting.
Located in Chikmagalur (or Chikkamagaluru) district in the state of Karnataka in the southern part of India, this homestay joins the list of burgeoning luxury options in this region albeit being of a more private and personalised category just like its sister brand Strelitzia and that is what sets it apart from most of the other resorts and getaways.
About Chikmagalur –
Chikmagalur city (once a tiny town) is the headquarters of its eponymous district. The name translates to “Younger daughter’s town” since in the days of yore, it was said to have been given as dowry along with the younger daughter of Rukmangada who was the chief of Sakkarepatna, a nearby town.
Chikmagalur’s biggest claim to fame, is that it is the birthplace of coffee in India and it also is the largest producer of this heady bean in Karnataka. Its location in the Baba Budan belt of the Western Ghats that stands tall at an elevation of 1090 meters (3580 ft) above Mean Sea Level (msl), makes its environment conducive for coffee plants that flourish well at an altitude of 800 – 1800 meters above msl.
The mountain range was originally known as the Chandra Drona Parvatha due to its crescent moon like contour and obtained its new name from Baba Budan, a Sufi saint of the 16th century, who initially smuggled in the coffee beans from Yemen, thus beginning the saga of coffee in India.
The city albeit small, is surrounded by mountains and the hilly regions with their verdant rainforest landscapes, innumerable water bodies and waterfalls, trekking trails, wildlife etc, have gradually put the place on the traveller’s map, after inexplicably having remained off the mainstream tourist radar until just a few years ago.
For me, Chikmagalur is familiar territory and though I have written about my relationship with this place in some of my previous blogposts, I will quickly mention again that this was my holiday destination for most of my childhood, since my grandfather owned a coffee estate a few kilometers away from Chikmagalur city. For the rest of the ride down memory lane, you can refer to my earlier stories on my blog 😎
Google maps
About Cicada Villas –
Tucked away in secluded little clearing, deep within a vast and lush coffee plantation called Honeycomb estate, lie a set of 2 elegant villas and 2 stylish geodesic domes.
This brand new swanky space right in the middle of the woods, opened its elaborate wooden doors to guests in December 2022.
This homestay is just a couple of kilometers away from Strelitzia Villas which I visited earlier this March and they both belong to the same owners.
A venture by Pradeep Rebello and family who are passionate about being in the hospitality realm, this space is intended to provide a bespoke and personalised experience to guests who seek private and classy retreats to spend their holidays.
About the owners –
Well I have spoken about the owners in my earlier blog and since it was written this March, not much has changed as far as their bio is concerned😀but I will repeat the tale here for those who have not yet read about them.
Pradeep Rebello is a 3rd generation coffee planter and also an engineer by degree. He hails from a family of renowned estate owners who have made their home in that region for several decades.
Well known and well reputed in Chikmagalur, he is also a man with great vision and futuristic ideas. The modern setting which also seamlessly blends in an eco friendly manner with the traditional, is his brainchild and he has been ably assisted in this project by his equally talented wife Pearl, his son Sam and daughter Suzanne. The brilliant concept and design of this venture is the outcome of their combined visualization and vision.
The graceful Pearl is a special educator and gold medallist. Her talents also extend into the kitchen and the excellent cook that she is, she has played the main role in raising the culinary standards of the stays. The place would not be the same without her artistic and creative touch.
Sam is an undergraduate at the Cornell University, NY. This young all rounder never fails at anything that he puts his mind to and the flawless design and execution of the villas is credited mainly to him.
Suzanne is a 12th standard student of commerce, who plays her part like the rest of her family. She is the one quietly holding fort in the background and can be depended upon to step in and take over, wherever and whenever necessary, making sure there are no hiccups in the smooth running of the place.
Features and Amenities –
Cicada offers 2 elegant villas and 2 stylish geodesic domes for its guests to choose from.
The domes are tents which are planted snugly amidst the coffee shrubs and they provide all the necessary comforts within their circular domain.
The 2 villas are just a few meters away from the domes and guests can opt for the 2 bedroom one or the 3 bedroom one or both, depending on the total number of people in the group. The villas are located within a few yards of each other but are designed so as to to retain privacy and exclusivity.
The kitchen facility is situated in between the 2 bungalows and apart from this, there is no other building on the premises.
There is a water body in the little valley below the buildings, which is strategically located so as to offer its view to the guests from all the 4 dwellings.
Apart from this, the place is pretty much untouched by any other feature and stays true to the theme of enjoying nature in its intended form … pure and unsullied amidst the flourishing forest and plantation.
The Stay –
The villas are to be booked in their entirety by a single group but the access to each room is distinct and one can have their privacy despite being a part of the same structure.
The homes are equipped with the usual amenities like wooden cupboards, couches, coffee tables, hangers, hairdryer, iron, torch, 24 hour hot water, bath linen, toiletries, first aid kits, mosquito repellents etc.
Apart from this, each exclusive living space is individually furnished with different sets of chic elements and thoughtfully handpicked items of décor.
This is a wheelchair-friendly and a pet-friendly property.
A short video showcasing the features and activities –
The 2 bedroom villa –
This is a beautifully designed villa of nearly 2000 sq ft and consists of 2 bedrooms on either side of a central common porch. The bedrooms open out into balconies which are perched on stilts and offer a scenic view of the plantation and the little lake.
The interiors likewise, are equally splendid with premium fittings and classy décor. Both rooms have a lobby area, a bedroom with a double bed, a balcony, large ensuite bath areas with shower cubicle, toilet, washbasins and dressing areas, all on the ground floor and 2 single beds on a mezzanine floor which is accessible via a spiral stairway from the lobby.
The central porch is furnished with aesthetically hand crafted pieces of wooden furniture and items of decor which are all made in-house by the resident carpentry team. Bar cabinets, tables, chairs, stools and a cozy fireplace with a brick chimney, are some of the items that add beauty and utility to this place.
The porch also serves as the common dining area for this villa and is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator for the use of the guests. Crockery and cutlery are also provided.
This villa can accommodate a total of 8 people.
The 3 bedroom villa –
This villa is an even more impressive dwelling, built on an extravagant 3000 sq ft of area with 3 large bedrooms, a huge central porch and also an extra living room which can be commonly used by the residents of all the bedrooms. Like its neighboring villa, this too is endowed with lavish trappings and stylish décor.
Its porch cum dining area is embellished with a similar abundance of exclusively designed wooden furniture and the pièce de résistance is the massive dining table fashioned from two 16 feet long, single planks of wood conjoined at the center by an equally long slab of granite. This is truly a carpentry masterpiece and its beautiful surface with its natural grain are the object of fascination among all visitors to the villa.
A swing at the entrance ensures that one has a swinging time (but of course 😎) and the villa is bordered by the hilly coffee plantation on one side and the ‘valley’ and lake on the other.
The living room is a beauty, with flooring of stone and walls of glass and wood. Interestingly, a section of wall has been carved out to accommodate a portion of a large and rugged boulder that looks like a huge tortoise which has crept in to curiously peek at the goings on within.
This room also sports a wooden bar and very enchanting fireplace whose mellow golden glow renders the nights with magic and charm.
Just as in the other villa, this living room also is equipped with a fridge, microwave, crockery and cutlery.
2 of the bedrooms have lake facing balconies on stilts and the third room faces the hillside plantation and has a small sit-out. Like the 2 bedroom villa, the interiors are equally vast and stylish.
All 3 rooms have a ground floor comprising of a lobby area, a bedroom with a double bed, and generously large ensuite bath areas where the shower cubicle, toilet, washbasins and dressing areas are all separate and in total almost as big as a studio apartment!
In the spirit of uniformity across all their villas, each of these bedroom also have 2 single beds on a mezzanine floor which is accessible via a spiral stairway from the lobby. The cozy attic like space also offers it own charm and view from the high windows.
This villa can accommodate a total of 12 people.
The Geodesic domes –
The 2 domes exude a feel of camping in the outdoors. Constructed from interlocking triangles made of lightweight PVC Nylon 900 GSM fabric, the 650 sq ft of space has been fitted out with all the basic comforts to accommodate 2 or 3 adults or 2 adults and a couple of small children. With a large sealed window, air conditioning, central exhaust system, a double bed, raised space for the extra beds and a compact but very comfortable wash room, one can certainly enjoy a vacation with an outdoorsy feel while simultaneously enjoying the benefits of indoor comforts.
A wooden table and benches are set-up outside for the purpose of dining.
Dining –
The venues for dining are multiple and one can decide where one wants to eat, based on one’s whim and fancy. The central porch or balconies or sit-outs, are picturesque locations and the staff will be happy to cater to the guest’s choice of setting.
Being a plantation that is distant from the town, the entire menu has to be pre-decided before arrival, so that the kitchen staff can be suitably prepared. While this makes practical sense, it might feel restrictive and inflexible because of the controlled system that is to be adhered to, in order to have food of one’s choice. The kitchen staff will be unable to fulfil any ad hoc request.
While there is a set menu which the guest chooses from, one can also make special requests like Jain food or allergen free dishes etc, which will be fulfilled if possible.
Breakfast is complimentary for the guests and is served between 8.30.00 am to 11.30 am. The menu covers a main item of idli-vada-chutney-sambhar OR puri bhaji. In addition, they also provide cereal, bread, butter, jam, boiled eggs/omelettes, along with fruit, coffee and tea. There are also a few paid options on the menu which one can request earlier.
In my personal opinion, the complimentary menu should have accommodated a wider choice of main items and also provided an alternative beverage like juice etc for those who do not drink tea or coffee.
Lunch, tea time and dinner are not complimentary. There is an ‘a la carte’ menu and the food is prepared as per pre-order. The menu is shared with the guests via Whatsapp before they arrive at the villa. The choices are quite finite and cover starters, mains and desserts from cuisines like the local Malnad, North Indian and South Indian.
Lunch is served between 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm.
High tea is served between 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm and offers a choice of hot beverage like coffee or tea served and freshly made snacks like sandwiches, potato fries, vegetable fritters etc.
Dinner is served between 8.30 pm to 10.30 pm. One has a choice of tandoor items/barbeque, apart from the existing menu.
Barbeques are organised in the designated zone, with prior intimation.
Food options outside the homestay – one can go to Kuduvalli village or Aldur which are 1 km and 4 kms away respectively and in opposite directions. Very basic types of eateries are found in these 2 places but Chikmagalur town/city which is 14 km away, has better restaurants.
Kuduvalli has this tiny coffee shop cum store called KA 18 which is ok for a quick bite. There is ample parking and a very clean washroom too.
Activities –
Activities within the plantation –
Barbeque and bonfire in the fireplace can be arranged with prior notice. Costs are as per specifications.
A plantation tour is also organized in an open jeep or Thar CRDe, where you are driven on paths flanked by coffee bushes in various stages of display, depending on the season.
In March I was fortunate to witness the coffee flowering season and it was truly magical to whiz past the lush and profuse blossoms, stopping frequently to satisfy my excited camera.
This time in December, it was equally wonderful to see that those very same flowers had transformed into coffee berries which were in the process of ripening and the clusters of plump green and red jewel like fruit certainly made for an enchanting sight.
There is also a small water body where a gentle ride is organized on a small wooden raft. It is amusing to glide past the tiny little fish who put on a mini Dolphin like show for us, with tiny little leaps in and out of the water.
In the evening there is a trip to the viewpoint where the sunset can be seen, depending on the weather.
The distance and difficulty level of the climb is not much and one can trek right up to the top. It is a motorable road though, for those who cannot climb. If it is the season, one can also see bunches and bunches of naturally grown litchees and the winged thieves that feast on them. Can you spot one here?
All these activities are charged based on various factors and one can discuss this at the time of booking.
There is also a set of indoor games for those who prefer a quiet time.
Of course, some of the great things in life are free and hence just chilling out in the garden, ‘swinging on the swing’, hanging around the bullock cart which is parked outside the villa, strolling around the property or sitting by the lake, are the other options to entertain oneself.
Things to do in the Surroundings –
Chikmagalur has sufficient ammunition to lure tourists across a range of interests. Being a hill station, it naturally offers opportunities for trekking, hiking, visiting waterfalls etc. The staff at Strelitzia Villas will assist with cab bookings or tour itineraries if needed.
The Mullayanagiri peak is one of the popular treks.
This land of coffee plantations also has an interesting Coffee Yatra Museum in the city where one can learn about the journey that coffee makes from shrub to cup.
The Bhadra Tiger Reserve at Muthodi is around 30 km from the city.
In addition, there are a few famous Hoysala temples like the Veera Narayana temple at Belavadi, the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebeedu. These architectural marvels in stone are within 30 – 35 km distance of the city and are a must visit.
Belur
Visitor Profile –
Since the entire villa has to be booked by one party and booking of bedrooms separately by different people is not permitted, it makes economical sense to book it for a group of people, optimally equal in number to the maximum people allowed.
Guests of all ages are permitted. There are no restrictions of any kind, on the category of visitors and that includes unmarried couples, bachelors etc, as long as it is clear that illegal activities are not going to be indulged in and that peace and decorum are going to be maintained.
Remember that the villas are in a gated plantation and hence there might be other guests on its premises in the other villa.
The villas are also suitable for guests who are differently abled. All access is via the ground floor and ramps and other facilities are provided for wheelchairs etc.
This is also a pet friendly property with additional charges for the animals. And of course the guest is expected to supervise the pets at all times to ensure their safety and that of the surroundings and of other people’s on the premises.
To summarize, these private luxury villas and domes in their idyllic coffee plantation setting, are ideal for any type of occasion, whether it be a rejuvenating break from the mundane to get away from it all or celebrations of intimate nature or family events, corporate events etc
It is a perfect place for artists, photographers, adventure enthusiasts, professionals who want to ‘work from forest’ and those who want some Me-time to do the most important thing which one should occasionally indulge in, namely NOTHING!
Best time to visit –
Chikmagalur is a year round destination. The weather especially within the coffee plantations, is pleasant even in summers. Rainy season has its own charms, though outdoor activities may be restricted. Winters are cold but actually quite lovely and are also a great time to visit.
To summarize –
June to August is the rainy season. A great time for pluviophiles and those who are content with staying indoors and watching the magic shower around them.
September to November – Very pleasant weather. Not as chill as winter. A good time to be outdoors. The landscape is lush and green after the rains and the coffee plants sport the green baby coffee berries, which the flowers have transformed into.
December and January – Peak winter. Invigorating chill temperatures. A wonderful time to see the coffee plants adorned with ruby like ripe red berries. Can also witness the coffee picking and processing.
February is glorious in the springtime. A lot of bird activity. Nature at its vibrant and colorful best.
March and April are when the coffee buds burst into blossoms and drape the shrubs with ethereal white, jasmine like flowers. A stunning sight, which from a height could be easily mistaken for a sprinkling of snow.
May is the ‘so called’ summer, where the sunny daytime turns extremely pleasant as evening falls.
Pro tip –
To witness the gorgeous coffee flowers in full bloom, visit during March 15th – April 15th. You will have to check the exact dates prior to going because these blossoms are at the peak of their glory only for a very few days before they drop off to make way for the baby berries.
To see the ripe red coffee berries adorning the shrubs, visit between December 15th to January 15th.
Phone and internet connectivity –
The property provides a free Wifi connection for its guests. When I visited, the connection was not all that stable. Airtel and Jio also were not all that reliable.
Environmental and Social initiatives –
Eco friendliness is given a lot of importance here.
Most of the furniture and woodwork has been crafted from repurposed wood.
Drinking water is provided in glass bottles.
The rooms are also of double height with high ceilings fabricated from earthen tiles.
These measures ensure that the homes are pleasant even in peak summer.
What is available and what you should carry –
There is a generator for power back up which can support all appliances, WiFi etc, in case of a power failure.
Considering the terrain and possible activities, carry a pair of walking shoes, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a backpack, a camera etc.
The type of clothing you need, is weather dependent but being in the midst of a plantation, it is cool throughout the year especially between sunset and early morning, so it is always a good idea to carry at least 1 coat even if it is summer. Winters are quite chill, hence equip yourself accordingly.
Daytime is warm in the ‘so called summer’ months, so carry light, cotton wear.
And as always, carry your ID card with you.
Additional Information –
Open air parking is available.
Smoking is permitted in open areas.
CCTV cameras are installed in outdoor areas for security.
Loud music or any activity that is disruptive to nature and to the general peace, is not permitted.
The space can be booked for events, shoots, day trips, picnics etc.
A refundable deposit may be collected before check-in.
The host lives very near the homestay. Though the team is trained to take care of guests the host is also accessible on the phone and will come in person too, if needed.
The resort provides accommodation for the personal staff of their guests. Check with them for the rates.
Getting there –
The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which is 135 km away and the journey via the ghats (mountains) takes around 3.5 hours.
Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore, is 280 km (5.5 hours).
Driving down from Mangalore or Bangalore, is the most convenient way to get to Cicada.
One can also take a bus from Mangalore or Bangalore. The homestay is around 14.5 km (approx 30 minutes) from Chikmagalur Bus Stand and just 4 km from Aldur bus stand.
Taxis and autos are a possibility for last mile accessibility.
Things of interest en route from Bangalore –
A few major places of interest en route are –
Sravanabelagola Jain temple – 12 km off the highway and 145 km from Bangalore.
Shettihalli Rosary Church – 30 km off the highway from Hassan
The Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu are a few kms off the main highway. Plan for a few hours for visiting each one.
Booking and contact –
Address –
Cicada Villas
Kuduvalli Post, Kuduvalli Village
Chikmagalur, Karnataka – 577133
India
Phone – +91 8217391718
Email id – strelitziaatparadise@gmail.com
Please Note –
This trip was in collaboration with Cicada Villas and I thank them for the hospitality. My narration is based on the inputs I received from various sources as well as my personal experiences.
For more pictures see My Facebook – Cicada Villas, Chikmagalur
Also catch me on My Facebook, My Facebook page, My Twitter and My Instagram
This itinerary was specially curated hence some of the features might have been personalized accordingly. Before booking, please check the facilities offered in your package.
I would really appreciate your feedback and comments in the comment box below.
Dec 7th – 9th, 2023
Caroline… I really appreciate your attention to details of a place, detailing out with so much patience. Beautifully articulated which brings life by imagination while reading.
Thank you so much for the appreciation 🙂 So glad that you read it and commented. It inspires me to keep writing 🙂
Well detailed and beautifully penned. Appreciate your efforts in providing minutest details.
Thank you so much for the appreciation 🙂
Ah! How lovely you write about the places you visit and the pictures you click are like icing on the cake! The way you write from memory after you visit the place is a quality which I am so much in awe of. The place is done up so beautifully and the architect is stunning and your pictures do full justice to their beauty. Such detailed information is truly appreciated for it gives a complete picture for anyone wanting to plan a visit. Your words literally would make the reader smell the coffee plantation. I guess there is a reason why resorts/ or R and R places would want to review their place for you leave no stoned unturned to not only capture their beauty through pictures but also make it tempting for the reader to wanna visit the place with your thoughtfully worded blog. So much beauty in the place amidst nature surely would guarantee that the person visiting it would definitely return fully recharged and happy. You keep on raising the bar high for self with your wonderful reviews. Thoroughly enjoyed the review and look forward to visiting the place in the near future. 🙂
Wow your fantastic comments are like mini blogs. Thank you so much for the appreciation 🙂 You always inspire me to keep going despite all my problems.
Dear Carol with your magic touch everything turns into a part of “psychedelic galaxy”. The way you touch and select the beautiful colourful and green corners of “Cicada Luxury Homestay” it turns into a colourful piece of paradise that has fallen down on earth. Once again you have introduced one more attractive Homestay . Good luck for many more presentations.👍👌
Thanks for your lovely comment and for appreciating the effort 🙏😊
Just the name Cicada brings up chirpy vibes. Great write up, congratulations on your consistent patience to churn out detailed blogs in these days of shortcut information. Felt like I had actually been there!
Thanks for your lovely comment and for understanding and appreciating the effort 🙏😊